The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency whose principal function is to encourage the understanding and use of the humanities to national concerns. It serves its various constituencies by supporting the work of individual humanists and of nonprofit institutions and organizations engaged in projects involving the humanities. Unlike some federal agencies, the National Endowment for the Humanities does not provide funds of a "formula" or "program" nature to sustain ongoing institutional or individual activities. Its grants are awarded competitively and on individual merit following a careful review process. Four major divisions administer most of its programs: (1) Public Programs Division, (2) Division of Education Programs, (3) Fellowship Division, and (4) Research Grants Division. There is also a Youthgrants in the Humanities program. Applicants should submit a proposal to appropriate division. (Author/KE)